Hofzinser, Johann Nepomuk. Hofzinser’s Crystal Ball Casket. Circa 1860. Large nickel-plated box with glass sides, lid, and bottom through which the audience can clearly see. The casket is empty. On command, it instantly and visibly fills with a large quantity of cloth-covered balls. Roller blind mechanism (a bit loose) may be operated manually or by an early electromagnet concealed inside box. 13 ¼ x 7 x 7 ½”. With age wear as expected, but overall very good condition. See Salon de Magie, page 126. This is the casket pictured in Ottokar Fischer's seminal work, J. N. Hofzinser Zauberkuenste (1942). A further explanation of the routine (much more elaborate than the simple appearance of the balls) can be found in Richard Hatch’s 1985 translation, The Magic of J.N. Hofzinser and Magic Christian’s Hofzinser Non Plus Ultra, IIIA.